NASA has delayed the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). Originally set to return with SpaceX assistance, their mission has faced setbacks. Their stay, initially short-term, will now extend into Spring 2025. This delay will see them in orbit for almost 10 months.
The two astronauts, who have been in space since June, were supposed to return earlier. NASA confirmed the delay, now pushing astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore return to at least late March 2025.
WHY THE DELAY?
Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5. The mission was meant to last only one week. But technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft delayed their return. The spacecraft returned to Earth without the astronauts, leaving them stranded.
NASA initially planned for their return in February 2025. Yet, complications with the Starliner led to a new timeline—Spring 2025. Problems like malfunctions and leaks made the spacecraft unsafe for their return.
SPACEX TO THE RESCUE
SpaceX stepped in to offer a solution. They agreed to change their Crew-9 mission to accommodate the astronauts. Instead of Starliner, Williams and Wilmore will return aboard a Crew Dragon capsule. This adjustment will take additional time, pushing the return further into late March or early April.
THE ROLE OF STARLINER
Starliner’s mission was the first crewed flight as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. It aimed to test the spacecraft’s performance, including launch, docking, and return. The mission was intended to certify Starliner for future crewed space missions. But with the recent setbacks, NASA decided more time is needed to prepare the spacecraft for future use.
WHAT’S NEXT?
With NASA choosing to extend the astronauts’ stay, SpaceX now needs more time to prepare the Crew Dragon capsule. This delay, though frustrating, ensures the astronauts’ safety on their return journey.
As of now, Williams and Wilmore will remain on the ISS until late March 2025. Nonetheless, the delay could stretch into early April as preparations continue.
In summary, technical challenges with the Starliner spacecraft led to the delay. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule will now serve as their ride back to Earth. NASA’s decision to extend their stay ensures everything is ready for a safe return.
